AMX ALR-AMP Quick start guide

Brand: AMX

Model: ALR-AMP

Type: Quick start guide

Quick Start Guide

ALR-AMP-8 Alero 8 Zone Power Amplifier

Overview

The Alero ALR-AMP-8 8-Zone Power Amplifier (FG1104-01) features 16 audio

distribution channels and Class D power amplification in a compact 1RU chassis.

Important Safety Instructions

Note: Please adhere to all of the following safety instructions:

1. Read the instructions.

2. Keep the instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow the instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean this apparatus only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or

other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding type plug. The grounding plug

has two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your

safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for

replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,

convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer,

or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the

cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods

of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the

apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is

damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the

apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or

has been dropped.

15. The appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily

operable.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this

apparatus to rain or moisture.

WARNING! This apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with

a protective earthing connection.

WARNING! This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing,

and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the

apparatus.

DANGER! No user serviceable parts inside. Service is to be performed only

by AMX.

Certifications

The ALR-AMP-8 has the following safety certifications:

FCC, CE, UL, IEC, PSE, C-TICK.

Controlling the Alero ALR-AMP-8

Volume control for the ALR-AMP-8 is managed by an external pre-amp / audio

switcher, such as the AMX Precis DSP. The ALR-AMP-8 can be powered on and off

externally by using the two signals 12V trigger and 3-5V trigger.

A Signal Sense function is also provided which automatically can switch on the ALR-

AMP-8 in the event of an audio signal and switch off the ALR-AMP-8 to enter standby

mode when no audio signal has been present on the signal terminals for

approximately 13 minutes.

Refer to the Alero ALR-AMP-8 Instruction Manual for details on On/Off Control via the

12V Trigger, 3-5V Trigger and Signal Sense.

Note: The Alero ALR-AMP-8 requires an external preamp for volume control.

Front Panel Components (LEDs)

The front panel features three LEDs:

POWER LED (Green/Red)

Indicates the current power state of the amp (Green = On, Red = Standby mode)

OC/CLIP LED (Yellow/Red)

The OC/CLIP LED indicates that the current of one or more of the speaker outputs

has exceeded its maximum output:

• Yellow indicates an OC (over-current) shutdown of the amplifier output.- In the

case of an OC event, the amplifier will shut down to protect itself, and indicate an

OC event on this LED (yellow) and the OC pin (pin 8 on the 10-pin I/O port).

An OC event can indicate a cable fault, installation fault or defective speaker.

• Red indicates an over-current event with the Power Supply. The LED will light

red if internal temperature sensors on the power supply sense an abnormally

high temperature, or if power supply over-current/over-load/power-limit circuits

are triggered. In either case, the power supply will limit the amplifier output to

keep the power supply within safe limits, while keeping the music playing.

THERMAL LED (Red)

The Thermal Protection LED indicates if one or more of the speaker outputs are shut

down due to thermal protection.

• The temperatures of all the output channels are individually monitored, and if

one or more of them reaches the thermal limit (105°C) then the respective Zones

will shut down and go into soft start mode (Channels 1/2 = Zone 1,

Channels 3/4 = Zone 2, etc), and the Thermal Protection LED will be lit.

• The other Zones will continue to be active. When the temperature has dropped

below the thermal threshold, the respective Zone(s) start up again automatically.

Mounting the ALR-AMP-8 into an Equipment Rack

The ALR-AMP-8 can be mounted in a 19" equipment rack or on a solid flat surface.

Use the included removable rack ears and removable feet for mounting.

Ventilation

Note: The maximum operating ambient temperature is 45°C (113°F).

• To ensure that the rack enclosure is adequately ventilated, there must be a

minimum of 3" all around the ALR-AMP-8

• Sufficient airflow must be achieved (by convection or forced-air cooling) to

satisfy the ventilation requirements of all the items of equipment installed within

the rack.

Rack Mount Safety Instructions

• Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous

condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.

• Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply

circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on over current

protection and supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate

ratings should be used when addressing this concern.

• Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular

attention should be given to supply connections other than direct connections to

the branch circuit (e.g. use of power strips).

Wiring and Connections

All speaker wire connections must be made with the amplifier off. The amplifier must

be off whenever you make changes to the input connections.

Connecting Audio Source Devices

Source Devices connect to the Input connectors on the rear panel. (FIG. 1):

• The Audio Inputs consist of 16 RCA/phono terminals; each of the single-ended

input channels having a signal input and ground.

• Each Zone (1-8) consists of two channels (odd and even) that represent the left

and right channels in a stereo pair. For example, CH1 and CH2 represent the left

and right channels for Zone 1.

Audio (Signal) Inputs

The following table provides pinout information for the Audio Inputs:

SE/BTL (Stereo/Bridge Mode) Switches (1-8)

The ALR-AMP-8 features eight SE/BTL slide switches (located between the two RCA/

phono input connectors for each Zone). These switches provide the ability to set each

of the eight Zones to either Stereo Mode (SE) or Bridge Mode (BTL). Note that by

default, all Audio Inputs are set to Stereo Mode.

• Stereo Mode (SE): In Stereo Mode, both channels are used for stereo audio

input. Stereo mode provides true stereo separation between the left and right

channels in each Zone.

• Bridge Mode (BTL): Bridge Mode uses one input channel of the amplifier to

combine the power from both channels output into one single output. In Bridge

Mode, the odd channels are used for audio input and the even channels are

disconnected internally.

Safety Symbol Definitions

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the

user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)

instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is

intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulating, dangerous

voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude

to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

FIG. 1 Audio Input connectors (L/R pairs for 8 stereo inputs, 16 total)

Audio Input Connectors - Pinout Information

PIN Function Description Type

1 Signal Sense + Single Ended Signal Positive Input

2 Signal GND Single Ended Signal GND GND

SE/BTL

Left Channel Inputs (Stereo Zones 1-8)

Right Channel Inputs (Stereo Zones 1-8)

CH1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 are used for inputs in Bridge Mode

Stereo/Bridge Mode)

switches 1-8

(one per Zone)

For full warranty information, refer to the AMX Instruction Manual(s) associated with your Product(s).

4/14

AMX reserves the right to alter specifications without notice at any time.

3000 RESEARCH DRIVE, RICHARDSON, TX 75082 • 800.222.0193 • fax 469.624.7153 • technical support 800.932.6993 • www.amx.com

93-1104-01 REV: C

Connecting Input Devices in Stereo Mode

Stereo input devices use both input channels (left and right) for each Zone.

• Odd-numbered channels (with white connectors) should be used to connect to

the left output on the source device.

• Even-numbered channels (with red connectors) should be used to connect to

the right output on the source device.

The ALR-AMP-8 supports up to 8 stereo input devices, each one associated with an

input Zone (1-8). Note that each Zone represents a stereo pair. For example, Zone 1

consists of CH1 (left channel) and CH2 (right channel). There is a direct correlation

between the audio inputs and the speaker outputs. For example, a stereo device

connected to the Zone 1 inputs (CH1 and CH2) will output on the CH1 (left) and CH2

(right) speaker outputs (FIG. 2):

Note: When connecting stereo input devices, verify that the Stereo/Bridge (SE/BTL)

mode switch for the Zone is set to "SE". This is the default factory setting.

Connecting Input Devices in Bridge Mode

In Bridge Mode, input devices connect to the left input channels only. Note that left

input connectors are white, and are the odd-numbered channels.

Note: When connecting bridged input devices, verify that the Stereo/Bridge (SE/BTL)

mode switch for the Zone is set to "BTL" . Refer to the Alero ALR-AMP-8 Instruction

Manual for detailed instructions on connecting input devices in bridge mode.

Connecting Speakers

Note: All speaker connections must use Class 2 Wiring. Class 2 Wiring is required

due to the fact that power is above 10W per channel under normal operating

conditions.

If speaker output is subject to incorrect loading there is the risk of

overheating, overcurrent and premature shutdown of the affected zone.

Speakers connect to the captive-wire output terminals (CH1-CH16) on the rear panel

(FIG. 3): t

Each Zone (1-8) consists of two channels (an L/R pair in Stereo Mode), and each

Channel (1-16) uses a 2-pin captive-wire connector to connect to speakers.

If incorrect wiring is used there is a risk of electrical shock and a fire hazard.

Note: For wiring runs longer than 80 feet, 14-gauge speaker wire is recommended.

Speaker Output Connectors

The speaker output connectors consist of two 16 pin captive-wire terminals; each of

the output terminals having a "+" and "- " terminal. The label "BTL" on each speaker

pair points to the pins that are used when connecting a single speaker to an input in

Bridge Mode.

I/O (Control Input) Port

The 10-pin captive-wire I/O (Control Input) port is for external control and status

indication:

Applying Power to the ALR-AMP-8

This unit should only have one source of incoming power. Using more than

one source of power to the ALR-AMP-8 can result in damage to the internal

components and a possible burn out.

Apply power to the unit only after installation is complete.

1. Connect a standard IEC 3-pole detachable power cord to the AC Mains power

connector on the rear panel.

2. Plug the attached power plug into a correctly grounded wall outlet.

3. Switch the Mains Power Switch (on the rear panel) to the On position.

Entering Standby Mode

1. Remove signal from the signal sense input, or disable signal sense input.

2. Enable 3-5V trigger -> Disable 3-5V trigger

Note that the POWER LED on the front panel lights Red to indicate that the amplifier is

receiving power, but is in Standby mode. Also note that when in Standby mode, the

12V output trigger is turned off.

Note: Refer to the Alero ALR-AMP-8 Instruction Manual for more detailed product

information.

FIG. 2

Stereo Input - Zone 1 (CH1 and CH2) output on Speaker Outputs CH1 and CH2

FIG. 3 Speaker (Output) Terminals (16 total, L/R pairs for 8 stereo outputs)

FIG. 4 Stereo Input - Zone 1 (CH1 and CH2) output on Speaker Outputs CH1 and CH2

Zone 1 audio inputs

Zone 1 speaker

From stereo source

device (left output)

From stereo source

device (right output)

Alero INPUTS (Stereo Mode)

Alero OUTPUTS (Stereo Mode)

left right

outputs

Zone 1

Odd # outputs = left channel (Stereo Mode)

Even # outputs = right channel (Stereo Mode)

Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4

Zone 1 = CH1/CH2

Zone 2 = CH3/CH4

Zone 3 = CH5/CH6

Zone 4 = CH7/CH8

Zone 5 = CH9/CH10

Zone 6 = CH11/CH12

Zone 7 = CH13/CH14

Zone 8 = CH15/CH16

Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8

Stereo Speaker Wiring - CORRECT

left right

Stereo Speaker Wiring - INCORRECT

left right

USE CLASS 2

WIRING

10-Pin I/O Port - Pinout Information

PIN Function Description

Signal

Sense +

Single-ended Signal Sense input (+). This pin detects an input signal

from a source device when the source device is active. Pin 1 (Signal

Sense +) connects to one of the source device’s input cables to

provide a signal to the ALR-AMP-8 when the source device is active

2 Signal GND Single Ended Signal GND

12V

Trigger In

The ALR-AMP-8 can be turned On or placed in Standby mode

externally via a 12V Trigger signal. A 12V trigger input is accessible

via Pin 3. Typically, Pin 3 connects to a relay pin pin on a Controller’s

Relay port.

12V

Trigger Out

The ALR-AMP-8 also provides a +12V Trigger output signal that can

be used to turn on/off a downstream device where no trigger signal

input is available.

A +12V trigger output signal is provided on Pin 4. Pin 4 connects to a

+12V Trigger (input) on a downstream amplifier.

• When the ALR-AMP-8 is On, the output on Pin 4 will be +12V after 1

second

• When the ALR-AMP-8 is in Standby mode the 12V will turn off.

5 GND

Logic / Trigger GND: Pin 5 provides a ground connection for the 3-5V

Logic Level Trigger.

Pin 5 connects to the GND pin of an I/O port on an external controller,

such as a NetLinx Central Controller.

3-5V

Trigger

Logic Level Trigger: The ALR-AMP-8 can be also turned On or placed

in Standby mode externally via a 3-5V Logic Level trigger signal. A 3-

5V trigger input is accessible via Pin 6.

The 3-5V Trigger Switch (FIG. 13) has two selections; High and Off.

When the 3-5V Trigger Switch is set to High, the amplifier will turn on

when AC mains is turned on, unless the 12V trigger is forced High (it

is default Low) through the 12V Trigger Input pin on the Control Input

Connector (pin 3). For example, the 3-5V Trigger switch could be set

to High if the amplifier needs to be forced on without having signal

sense or external trigger signals.

7 Thermal

The Thermal Overload Indicator (OUT) signal can be used to send a

Thermal message from the ALR-AMP-8 to an external controller (such

as NetLinx Central Controller), if desired.

8 OC

The OC (Overcurrent) Monitor Indicator (OUT) signal can be used to

send an OC message from the ALR-AMP-8 to an external controller if

desired.

On signal,

12V Trigger

On Signal Output: Pin 9 provides a continuous 12VDC when the

ALR-AMP-8 exits Standby Mode for On. When the ALR-AMP-8 is in

Standby mode, Pin 9 falls to zero. When connected to an external

Controller, this pin allows the Controller to be aware of the On/Off

state of the ALR-AMP-8. For Signal Output, Pin 9 connects to an I/O

pin on an external controller such as a NetLinx Central Controller.

Note: Refer to AMX Tech Note #777 for details regarding configuring

the the I/O ports on a NetLinx Master to accept a voltage input.

12V Trigger: Pin 9 also functions as a 12V on/off output trigger. In this

case, it can be used to turn on or off other amplifiers, when there are

multiple Alero systems in an installation. As a 12V Trigger, Pin 9

connects to Pin 3 (12V Trigger Input) on a downstream ALR-AMP-8

10 GND

Ground reference for the Output pins (7-9) - required for any device

that needs to sense the potential.

Pin 10 connects to the GND pin of an I/O port on an external

controller, such as a NetLinx Central Controller.

AMX ALR-AMP Quick start guide

AMX ALR-AMP Quick start guide

AMX ALR-AMP Quick start guide

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